3. Aspen
CHAPTER 3
Aspen
M y stomach roils out of control again and I stumble weakly to my feet. Sweat beads my forehead and I groan.
This has been a horrible two months. The flu that I’ve been fighting off just will not quit. Every morning and any time I eat, I throw up and then have to go lie down. I’m about ready to go to the doctor and find out what it’s gonna take to get over this thing.
But right now, I’ve got work to do. I’m meeting my new clients at the coffee shop down the street. And this is the big one that I’ve been so looking forward to. If only I felt better. I’m gonna need all my wits about me to deal with the singer, Harmony. She’s got a vision in her head for her wedding and she’s not willing to take anything less.
Frankly, neither am I. She’s got the money to get exactly what she wants. There’s no reason that she can’t have it.
I lean against the sink and stare at my reflection, grimacing. Dark shadows under my eyes, limp hair hanging in my pale, waxy face. I look like a wreck and I need to get my act together so I can make this meeting. I splash my face with water and wash it then dry it with a soft towel. Mousturizer and brushing my teeth and then I pull out my concealer that’s been really getting a workout lately and carefully rim my undereyes.
Five minutes and a little rosy gloss on my pale lips, some blush for my pale cheeks and a little mascara and powder and I’m somewhat human again.
If only I felt better.
But I sigh and head out to the bedroom closet, pulling out one of my favorite sweater dresses. It’s still too cold for anything else. Wrapping a scarf around my neck and pulling on a light coat, I slip into my heels and smile at Princessa.
“Sorry, kiddo. I’ve got to get to the coffee shop and I can’t sit outside today. We’ll go for a walk later.”
Her tail fluffs out and she meows angrily. I grin at her and then grab my purse and soft briefcase. “I know, I know. It’s just work.”
She turns her back on me and I swear if a cat can flounce, she manages it, her tail swishing behind her.
Sighing, I open the door and take a deep breath of the crisp, clean air of Starlight Bay. I’m only a couple of blocks from the beach and I can practically taste the salt in the air. The morning vibrates with people calling out to each other and heading off to work. Sunlight gilds the houses and cars. It won’t be too much longer before the first flowers start to peek through the soil and color our little world.
Bayfront Beans is alive with all kinds of people getting their early morning energy jolt and my belly rolls and growls at the same time. I groan and I can practically feel my stomach fighting to stay down. Perspiration dots my forehead and I gulp heavily.
And my client is already here. “Harmony! How nice to see you again!” I push the uneasy tummy rolling down and wrap my arms around her, hugging her lightly before I sit down. I’ve already discovered that Harmony is a hugger. So I don’t hesitate.
But I almost fall into my chair when I get a look at her groom. I’ve met Harmony before but the groom is even easier on the eyes than Harmony and she’s gorgeous!
He grins at me and reaches across the table with the hand that’s not holding onto Harmony’s. “Hi! I’m Jasper. I’m Harmony’s fiancé. It’s wonderful to finally meet you. She’s been singing your praises since she met with you last week.”
I smile and clasp his hand, nodding at Harmony. “Yes. We did a lot of work on your vision last week. I hope that both of you are on the same page since there’s not much time to get this show on the road.” Anything less than a year is a push, especially with such a large affair.
He nods his dark blond head and grins at his fiancee. We’re mostly on the same page but I do have one or two things to discuss with you. We both want to make this day as special as possible. That’s why we chose June first.” He lifts her clasped hand to his lips and smiles happily. “That’s the second anniversary of our first date. It’s the beginning of our lives together.”
I sit down and clasp my hands together. “That is so beautiful. Absolutely. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say. I’m so looking forward to this wedding. We’re going to make this the event of the year here.”
He nods and grimaces, his honey-brown eyes narrowing. “I’m not looking to be a spectacle. I don’t want that at all. My family is flying in for this and I want it to be respectful at all times. They’re not used to all this fuss and stuff.” He sits up straight and my stomach sinks. I feel something bad coming. “That’s why I’ve brought on somebody to keep my vision open and meld it with my girl’s.”
“That’s not necessary,” I sputter. “I’m fully capable of taking care of both of your needs for your wedding.”
He nods his head and I can see the look on Harmony’s face. She looks resigned, like she’s already had this argument with him.
“Anyway, here he comes!” I don’t even get a chance to turn around before a sensual, husky, annoyingly familiar voice that’s haunted me for months chimes in.
“Hello, everyone!” Then he stands over my seat and I can feel the warmth of his hand on the back of my chair. His voice lowers slightly and shivers dance along my spine. “It’s nice to see you again, Aspen.”
The butterflies in my stomach let loose into huge flamingoes and I jerk to my feet, my hand covering my mouth. “I’m sorry,” I mutter. “I’ll be right back.”
As I race away, I hear that sexy damn voice say, “Well, that’s the first time I’ve ever made someone physically sick just from showing up!”
I can’t respond though, ducking into the bathroom, heaving and dropping to my knees by the toilet.